18.08.2018, 11:10
Italy and Belarus contest the title in Tbilisi

SEMI-FINAL REVIEW: The top two teams from Group B meet again in Sunday’s Men’s 18 EHF Championship decider

Italy and Belarus contest the title in Tbilisi

The Men’s 18 EHF Championship in Georgia has thrown up a fascinating pairing in the final, after and Italy and Belarus came out on top in Saturday’s semi-finals.

Italy dominated for the majority of their clash with traditionally stronger neighbours Switzerland.

After leading 15:11 by half-time, the Italians never looked back, leading by eight with just 20 minutes to play.

Switzerland fought back, but it was never going to be enough as they struggled to find a way past Italian keeper Andrea Colleluori, who even scored to goals of his own in his sides 29:23 victory.

Despite a sensational 15-goal performance from Metalurg right back Martin Serfimov, FYR Macedonia fell to Belarus in an exciting second semi-final.

Belarus looked relatively comfortable with a 17:13 half-time lead, but the final 10 minutes were far from comfortable as the Macedonians clawed their way back into contention.

A 32:27 lead fell apart as Belarus failed to score in the final six minutes and star performer Mikita Chyzhyk was sent off.

The gap was reduced to 32:20 with three minutes to play, but Belarus held firm and the score remained the same until the end.

Switzerland and FYR Macedonia face-off for bronze at 16:00 CEST on Sunday 19 August, before Italy and Belarus meet in the final at 18:00.

At stake in the final is not only the title, but a spot in both the Men’s 18 and 20 EHF EURO events in two years’ time.

Follow the Men’s 18 EHF Championship in Georgia

Official website: http://www.2018tbilisi.com/
Playing schedule: http://www.eurohandball.com/ech/01-02/18/men/2018/round/1/Championship+-+GEO
ehfTV: https://www.ehftv.com/int/league/men-s-18-ehf-championship-2018-georgia/795

TEXT: Chris O'Reilly